An appeal on behalf of THE SHAFTESBURY HOMES AND
ARETHUSA TRAINING SHIP by Admiral of the Fleet the EARL
OF CORK AND ORRERY, G.C.B.,
G.C.V.O.
The Arethusa Training Ship-one branch of the Shaftesbury Homes-was the outcome of a famous supper given to 200 homeless boys of London by the 7th Earl of Shaftesbury on St. Valentine's Day, 1866. At that supper, held in the Society's refuge in Great Queen Street, Lord Shaftesbury asked how many boys would like a sea life, if a ship could be obtained. A forest of hands went up. In December of that year the first 50 boys stepped on board the Chichester.
Eight years later, a larger ship was needed, and the Arethusa, the last ship to go into action solely under sail, was lent by the Admiralty, the Baroness Burdett - Coutts giving E5,000 towards fitting her out as a training ship. From August 3, 1874, until July, 1933, when from sheer old age she was condemned by the Admiralty, thousands of boys were trained in her. In that same month and year her successor was inaugurated, and today 240 boys are having their chance aboard her.
Admiral of the Fleet the Earl of Cork and Orrery is chairman of the ship's committee.
The Society is also responsible for four country homes for boys, a country home for girls, and a hostel in London for boys working away from home and those receiving instruction in various trades. Since 1843 no fewer than 34,169 children have had the benefit of the Society' care and training.
Contributions will be gratefully acknowledged, and should be addressed to [address removed].